The #17 Emporia State volleyball team survived two late Pittsburg State runs to sweep the Gorillas 25-23, 25-19, 25-23 on Opening Day inside White Auditorium Tuesday night in non-conference action. ESU hit .289 to the Gorillas .194 in the first set. E-State led 24-19 before Pitt State saved four set points but the Gorillas missed an overpass long and ESU scraped by to take the lead. The ending to the second set was much more comfortable for the Black & Gold despite the two teams hitting percentages being much closer than in set one. The third set was tight throughout despite ESU never losing the lead until the Lady Hornets slowly built a 17-12 edge. The Gorillas saved three match points but missed wide on an overpass to give ESU the sweep. Head coach Ken Murczek acknowledged that, while ESU didn’t finish the first set or match well, he was happy to get a win and to get it at home.
Miyu Tsurumaki led the ESU defense with 19 digs and enjoyed her first home match inside White Auditorium.
Lavra Krizanic led all attackers with 15 kills and hit .387 in the match while Piper Bahr tallied 10. Brailee Bogle moved into fourth on the all-time ESU career assist list. ESU (15-2, 2-1 MIAA) returns home to host Washburn in the Turnpike Tussle on Saturday at 7:00 p.m.
